Charging system isn't?

[RSG]

Went to get some 2-stroke oil tonight, and my dashboard battery indicator idiot light stayed on after start and never went off. I have a Aux Idle Controller that shows battery voltage, and it was 12.1-12.3 V, like when first started, for the whole short drive and return.

I am charging it now so that it will start tomorrow ... but ... can I assume it's the alternator? The batteries are new as of last fall and in great shape (just checked their specific gravity over the Christmas holidays...no crud on terminals, solid connections.

I note the alternator is pretty hot for such a short run - but then I don't recall checking it when "normal" so not sure if that means anything. In the wiki section (here) the alternator part numbers are listed as:

Alternator

(Ford) F5UU-10300-CA 215Amp Ambulance alternator
(Motorcraft) GL504RM 130A

Some time ago in another post, Joe pointed out this website for info and possible replacement. Will a "large frame" fit without modification? Anybody put one of these in?

Am I on the right track assuming alternator?

Thanks!

 

[BIG JOE]

I'd vote the Alternator has gone South Rich

And yes, a big frame Alt bolts right up.. fits with no issues. Simple R&R.

As noted, I went with the 160 AMP.. from Quick Start.. No issues, excellent customer service.

I had some "Flickering" at idle.. from new. the 160 amp fixed all that.

Joe

 

[RSG]

Thanks Joe!

Did you add their funky "QuickTifier" (what a name!) or stick with the basic single bridge rectifier. I am sort of baffled by their "double" and "tripple" rectifiers -- seems like perpetual motion. I mean, 160A is 160A, no matter how many rectifiers you stick on 'er? I guess it has to do with wear&tear...

 

[BIG JOE]

Thanks Joe!

Did you add their funky "QuickTifier" (what a name!) or stick with the basic single bridge rectifier. I am sort of baffled by their "double" and "tripple" rectifiers -- seems like perpetual motion. I mean, 160A is 160A, no matter how many rectifiers you stick on 'er? I guess it has to do with wear&tear...

I didn't go Techno with it either.. Just ordered a 160 amp, large frame Alertator and replaced the OE one. Done deal.

I'm think'n all that "Quicktifier" is for High Demand useage.. I don't have that.. so I didn't go there.

Joe

 

[RSG]

Thanks, I'll give 'em a call!

 

[Y2KW57]

RSG... do you have dual alts or a single alt?

 

[JLDickmon]

Thanks Joe!

Did you add their funky "QuickTifier" (what a name!) or stick with the basic single bridge rectifier. I am sort of baffled by their "double" and "tripple" rectifiers -- seems like perpetual motion. I mean, 160A is 160A, no matter how many rectifiers you stick on 'er? I guess it has to do with wear&tear...

has to do with the ripple pattern a standard rectifier puts out.. I don't see the advantage of it either..
if you have an electronic device in your truck that's that sensitive to voltage, you need to be running it through an inverter anyway..

 

[RSG]

RSG... do you have dual alts or a single alt?

it's a single ... I'm hoping to get the new one (large frame 6G) by tomorrow so I make the swap this weekend.

JL - you are right it must be to make "real" dc I guess; anyhow I didn't get it. Looks like more of a PIA.

 

[RSG]

Put in the new alternator Thursday night and what I nice difference. It consistently produces a charge (based on voltage reading) at idle. That alone makes me glad I 'upgraded'. Only install issue is the positive post bolt is a bigger diameter than stock so I had to open up the electrical connector a bit.

 

[BIG JOE]

Put in the new alternator Thursday night and what I nice difference. It consistently produces a charge (based on voltage reading) at idle. That alone makes me glad I 'upgraded'. Only install issue is the positive post bolt is a bigger diameter than stock so I had to open up the electrical connector a bit.

Yul Like & notice the difference as time goes on too.. No more flicker when you power up any Aux stuff, no more slight dimming of anything at Idle.

After I did the up-grade.. I wunder'ed "What Waz Ford Thinking". : two Batts, Glow Plugs, Fuel heater.. all the Creature Comfort stuff (Lariat/KR).. seemed like a Flaw in the Atlernaror capacity.. Long Term anywayz.



Joe